2010 NBA Playoffs: Boston Celtics-Miami Heat Game Two Preview

There is an old adage with a twist of my own that goes like this: Let sleeping dogs lie, or they just may bite.

The Celtics were a flea-ridden bunch during the regular season. Every once in a while they would have dreams of what it was to be rottweilers among poodles.

But once the poodles found out that they had the stamina to withstand the Celtics' outbursts, Boston's grey-beards stopped to scratch their fleas and look at the mange that threatened to eat away at them.

In some ways the near-tussle that caused Kevin Garnett a suspension for Game Two has helped the Celtics.

They knew that they had not protected their home court and needed to focus in on defense.

Even though they won, Game One was a microcosm of their season, a see-saw affair without direction. It looked like Boston was ready to just make sure it followed the game plan by walking on egg shells during the game.

Then the C's unleashed a young erratic pup named Tony Allen who quickly cut his defensive teeth on Dwyane Wade’s game.

The rest of the Heat players quietly whizzed the game away while Wade was in a defensive handcuff.

Then Quentin Richardson as usual stepped in a big pile of it, and the mangy Celtics discovered they still had a venomous bite.

That was all Boston needed. Miami's lead was gone, and the Celtics could be seen foaming at the mouth like Cujo.

Post-game comments by Richardson showed how extensive his hatred is for the home team.

The one surprise out of all of this is Wade has been quiet about the whole incident. He claims he has spoken to Q-Tip about his untimely outbursts; it doesn't seem to have helped.

Richardson has had a history of histrionics with Pierce and Gang Green. Every time he has opened his mouth his team has been unceremoniously dumped.

Game Two will see if the rest of the Miami Heat can back up Richardson's bravado. Recent history has shown that it won't happen.